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How Do Lubricants Work?

How do Lubricants work?

Lubrication is fast becoming a common and important staple in the bedroom. The market is now filled with a huge variety offering, everything from specific bases, tastes and sensations. A 2014 Indiana University study found that 65 percent of women have used lubricant to make sex more comfortable, more pleasurable, or both. Lubricant can be used for pleasure, to ease discomfort and as a supplement for sex toys. With so many options available it can be difficult to know the differences between lubricants, and which one is best for you. We are going to break it down for you today to let you know the differences between lubricants, and their uses.


Lubricants are a great way of adding spice to the bedroom, whilst also serving more practical applications such as making sex more comfortable, and in the use of sex toys. Lubricant functions by decreasing friction where it is applied, which means that it is commonly used in vaginal and anal sex to prevent damage or discomfort. It can also be used for the same reasons for sex toys, as well as for non-penetrative activities.

Water based lubricants

Water based lubricants are by far the most popular on the market. This is mostly due to the fact that it is easy to clean, doesn't leave stains and is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. Water based lubricants can be used safely with condoms, and can even be used with vibrators or other silicone based sex toys. One slight disadvantage of this type of lubricant is that because of its natural qualities, it can dissolve and require more frequent application.

Oil based lubricants

Oil based lubricants are said to give a less ‘slick’ feel than other lubricants, but are less common now for the reason that they increase the risk of condoms ripping and can cause stains and more mess. Before the popularity of lubrication took off, one of the most common household versions was olive oil. If you do want to use this type of lubricant then make sure it is safe to use with condoms, or use it in non penetrative activities.

Silicone based lubricants

Silicone based lubricants offer a ‘unique, silky’ feel and are another of the more popular lubricant types. Silicone is hypoallergenic, which means it is a great option for people with allergies or sensitive skin. They are also especially good in wet environments, like a shower, as they don't mix with the water or dissolve quickly. Silicone lubricant types are fine to use with most sex toys, but frequent use with silicone based toys may lead to damage over time.

Flavour and sensation lubricants

Flavoured lubricants are also popular, and are commonly used in oral sex where a condom is used. These will function the same as one of the above lubricants. It is worth reading the ingredients to see if there are any allergy concerns. Also popular on the market are sensation-inducing lubricants, like heat-inducing lubrication, for example. Once again these will function the same as one of the above lubricant types, and allergies can be a notable concern. It should also be noted that people's bodies have varying sensitivity, and this should be considered when deciding how much to use. What we sell At Noogleberry we sell water based lubrication which is paraben free, with increased lubricity. It is compatible with latex condoms, and is CE certified. Take a look at our range of lubricants here.

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